Health director's daughter sets example with Covid vaccination

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Riyanna Brickles (15), the daughter of district health director for the Garden Route and Central Karoo Zee Brickles, got her Covid-19 vaccination at Harry Comay Hospital on 4 November.

Riyanna was initially a little scared of the needle but now knows it was not necessary, said her dad.

Said Riyanna, “I was a bit stressed about the injection part and what a relief when it was not half as bad as I thought it would be. It was quite simple and quick."

She encouraged other young people to also protect themselves and their families by getting the vaccine.

Mr Brickles said that our children are our future but this is challenged daily by the Covid-19 pandemic. "Research has shown that vaccination prevents severe disease and death and that is why we eagerly supported our child when she decided to take the vaccine.

"We share many dreams with our children - their matric ball, their first day heading off to university, their dream job, their wedding day and many more. We owe it to ourselves to be there with them on those days when their dreams are realised. We can absolutely achieve this if we get vaccinated and support our children to also vaccinate when they are ready, like we did. Our children have the right to choose whether or not to take the vaccine and we as parents have the obligation to support them in their informed decision."

He said Riyanna did her own research but he also provided her with reliable and credible information about Covid and the vaccine, on which she based her own decision to take the vaccine.

"I would like to encourage all parents to do the same as it remains our responsibility to be that support, at times when our children need us most. We are living in times where we endure repeated attacks from Covid-19 on our mental state, on our choice to socialise and on our physical health."

He said many people have lost loved ones and colleagues and families were left in utter despair. Everyone has endured many restrictions on their freedom. He reminds the public of December last year which was a particular challenge because of the devastating effects of the second wave.

"The festive season last year was sombre with seemingly no light at the endless dark tunnel, but this year I am optimistic and positive. The vaccine has brought us an opportunity to again experience the silly season as we have in previous years with lots of joy, happiness and laughter with friends and family while we are also able to visit our beaches and recreational facilities. This time we will be better prepared and protected if we are vaccinated."

He urged citizens of the district to get vaccinated.

"Let us not forget the dreams of our children and ensure that we help them get there through ensuring that they too are protected from severe disease and death. We implore the public to visit their nearest vaccination site for their free and quick vaccination to save our summer."

Riyanna Bickles.